American Hunter

American Hunter operates as an official publication of the National Rifle Association, providing practical hunting and fishing education through detailed articles, gear reviews, and field-tested tactics.

The publication focuses on do-it-yourself hunting and fishing—the kind of self-reliant skills that backcountry hunters actually need. Articles cover:

• •Hunting tactics for specific game: whitetail deer, wild boar, goats, elk, and upland birds
• •Bowhunting and archery techniques (including recurve and crossbow)
• •Backcountry skills: terrain navigation, rope work, crampons for steep country, meat care in remote conditions
• •Spearfishing and coastal fishing methods
• •DIY hunting in specific regions: Hawaii, Southwest desert, mountainous terrain
• •Gear reviews: specific brands and equipment tested in real hunting conditions
• •Hunter education and regulations by state and island

Recent articles include "Tips and Tactics for DIY Hunting and Fishing in Hawaii," detailing:

• •Public land access and backcountry hunting opportunities across Hawaiian islands
• •Game species: pigs, goats, mouflon sheep, axis deer, whitetail, Colombian blacktail
• •Hunting vs. bowhunting logistics: permitting differences, rifle registration requirements, archery-only units
• •Meat care in tropical conditions: YETI cooler recommendations, ice management in high humidity
• •Spearfishing techniques and reef fishing from shore (no license required in most areas)
• •Local hunting traditions and ethical access

"There is more hunting opportunity to be found along the jungles and cliffs of the islands than in most of the mainland states." — Aram von Benedikt, American Hunter

The publication regularly reviews and recommends specific products:

• •How-To articles: Fire bluing, handloading, trap setting, firearm maintenance
• •Gear reviews: New rifles (Ruger 10/22, Weatherby Mark V), optics, ammunition, crossbows
• •First-person narratives: Actual hunt stories with tactical lessons
• •Video content: Hunting techniques, gear demonstrations, product reviews
• •Regulatory guides: State hunting seasons, licensing requirements, regulations by region

American Hunter is included with NRA membership. The publication connects to broader NRA programs:

• •Hunter Education: Stateside certificates valid for non-resident hunting (3+ week approval process needed)
• •Shooting Sports USA: Competitive shooting content
• •Women On Target®: Instructional clinics and women's hunting programs
• •Youth Programs: National Junior Shooting Camps, Youth Hunter Education Challenge
• •Adaptive Shooting: Programs for hunters with disabilities

The publication emphasizes practical, real-world hunting—not resort hunting or guided trips. Authors are experienced backcountry hunters who test gear and tactics in actual field conditions. Articles assume readers have basic hunting competence and want to improve their DIY skills.